“Calculation of the Cost of an Adequate Education in Kentucky”

February 2003

The definition of adequacy used in the study has equal emphasis on both inputs and outputs. Inputs are defined according to state requirements, and outputs are defined as 100% proficiency on academic standards and proficient levels in non-academic standards (such as attendance rates and dropout rates) by 2014. See Appendix A of the study for more details.

$892 million
Average cost per pupil for a K-12 district (current expenditures average $7,271 per pupil):

Small to moderate district: $9,582
Moderate to large district: $9,112
Large to very large district: $8,438

Excluding facilities, the authors find that if the state decides to add voluntary half-day preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, raise teacher salaries above national average, and extend the school year to substantially increase instructional time, the funding gap would increase from $892 million to $1.16 billion.

No systematic implementation, although the school year has been lengthened and preschool expanded, beginning in 2006-07.

Professional Judgment Approach

The study consisted of three panels of school site personnel, three panels of administrative personnel and a final expert panel from varying types of districts and representing different roles within them.

Devised prototype districts of varying sizes: small to moderate, moderate to large, and large to very large district.
Includes transportation, extended school services, special education, gifted students, LEP costs, and unmet facilities needs.
All panels recommended that the school year be lengthened.

Information from panels was cross-referenced with research literature

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80 citizens and educators were invited to participate in the panels, with a 65% response rate.

The Council for Better Education, Inc.